Since the merger of the NFL and AFL in the late 1960s, the Super Bowl has crowned 20 different champions. However, a dozen franchises continue their quest for a title.
The Cleveland Browns were once dominant, claiming multiple championships before the Super Bowl era. However, defeats in the AFC Championship Games during the late 1980s and a prolonged period of underperformance highlight their struggles.
The Detroit Lions, one of the oldest NFL teams, have yet to appear in a Super Bowl despite brief playoff success, notably in 2023. Their postseason history remains among the least impressive.
As the newest franchise, the Houston Texans joined the NFL in 2002. While they have yet to advance to a conference championship, optimism surrounds their future with promising young talent and leadership.
The Jacksonville Jaguars found early success after entering the league in 1995, but repeated setbacks in championship games have kept them from reaching a Super Bowl.
The Arizona Cardinals, established in 1920, are the oldest team without a Super Bowl win. Despite a near-victory in 2009, they fell short after a late-game drive by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Los Angeles Chargers have often underperformed in the playoffs, with just one Super Bowl appearance in 1995. Consistent regular-season success has not translated to postseason triumphs.
The Tennessee Titans came within a yard of forcing overtime in 2000’s Super Bowl XXXIV. That dramatic play underscored their continued search for a championship.
The Atlanta Falcons, having two Super Bowl appearances, are remembered for the infamous 28-3 lead they lost to the Patriots in 2017, marking one of the biggest comebacks in the game’s history.
The Carolina Panthers, despite two Super Bowl appearances since their inception in 1995, have twice been bested by celebrated quarterbacks in close title games.
The Cincinnati Bengals almost ended their title drought in 2022, but were narrowly defeated by the Los Angeles Rams. Previously, they twice lost in the 1980s to Joe Montana’s 49ers.
The Buffalo Bills are infamous for losing four consecutive Super Bowls from 1991 to 1994, a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of championship success.
Despite a strong regular-season track record, the Minnesota Vikings’ four Super Bowl and six conference championship losses underscore their challenges in securing a title.
These 12 NFL franchises continue to strive for their first Super Bowl glory, each carrying its unique history of near-misses and disappointments.
Source: Espn
